U.S. senators urge Obama to be tough with Iran

Mar. 18, 2014 - 01:19PM
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WASHINGTON — Republicans and Democrats in Congress want Iran to know more economic pressure is coming if Iran doesnít reach a comprehensive nuclear agreement with world powers this year.

Eighty-three senators have signed a letter to President Barack Obama outlining their demands. They tell him to push for a final deal that dismantles Iranís heavy water reactor at Arak and eliminates any uranium path toward a nuclear bomb.

And they say Iran must understand a diplomatic collapse would mean increased oil and trade sanctions.

While Obama hailed last yearís interim nuclear pact with Tehran, many in Congress were critical. Obama staved off a new U.S. sanctions push from Congress against Iran that risked undermining negotiations.